Candlemas, celebrated on the 2nd of February, holds a special place in the Christian calendar as the feast marking the Presentation of the Lord. In Ukraine, this day is known as Stritennia and combines deep religious significance with rich folk traditions. The way Ukrainians observe Candlemas reveals a fascinating blend of faith and cultural heritage, reflecting both spiritual devotion and ancient customs passed down through generations. Святкові свічки у традиційній українсь

January 29th marks a solemn day in Ukrainian history, known as the Day of Remembrance of the Heroes of Kruty. This day honors the courage and sacrifice of a small group of students and young soldiers who stood against overwhelming odds to defend Ukraine’s independence in 1918. Their story is a powerful reminder of patriotism, resilience, and the cost of freedom. Пам’ятний камінь Героям Крут, оточений засніженою землею The Battle That Shaped a Nation In early 1918, Ukraine was

Every year, Ukraine observes a day that holds profound meaning for its people. This day is not just a date on the calendar but a moment of reflection, remembrance, and national unity. Understanding how Ukraine commemorates this day reveals much about its history, culture, and the resilience of its people. Ukrainian citizens gathered at a memorial site during the commemorative day The Historical Roots of the Commemoration The significance of this day traces back to pivotal eve

Ukraine is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Among its many treasures, the animals that inhabit its lands hold a special place in the hearts of its people. But what is Ukraine's favorite animal? This question opens a window into the nation's identity, traditions, and connection with nature. This post explores the animals that Ukrainians cherish most, revealing how these creatures symbolize the spirit of the country. Європейський бізон у лісовій галявині

When power goes out in large Ukrainian cities, especially in the big block housing where many live, staying warm becomes a serious challenge. These buildings, often made of concrete and designed for efficiency rather than comfort, can quickly become cold and uncomfortable without heating. A common suggestion is to make soup to keep warm, but how can that be done without electricity or gas? This post explores practical ways Ukrainians manage to stay warm during power outages,

Winter in the Ukrainian countryside can be harsh, especially when infrastructure is damaged or destroyed, leaving homes without electricity or gas. Despite these challenges, many rural households have developed a reliable system to stay warm, cook food, dry laundry, and heat water without relying on modern power sources. This system centers around a large brick thermal mass stove, similar to the German Kachelofen , which stores and radiates heat for hours. This post explores

The start of a new year brings a fresh sense of hope and determination for many people around the world. In Ukraine, this moment carries a unique blend of tradition, resilience, and forward-looking optimism. Ukrainians approach the new year not just as a calendar change but as an opportunity to set meaningful goals and embrace aspirations that reflect their values, culture, and current realities. Understanding how Ukrainians begin the year reveals much about their spirit and

New Year's Eve is one of the most anticipated celebrations in Ukraine, marked by a rich blend of traditions, family gatherings, and heartfelt wishes. Ukrainians welcome the new year with joy, hope, and customs that have been passed down through generations. This post explores how Ukrainians celebrate New Year's, what they hold dear during this festive time, and how to say "Happy New Year" in Ukrainian. Ukrainian New Year's Traditions New Year's celebrations in Ukraine combine

Boosting Community Support with Effective Strategies Building strong local community initiatives is a vital step toward creating resilient, supportive environments where everyone can thrive. When communities come together, they form a powerful network that can address challenges, provide essential resources, and foster a sense of belonging. In times of crisis, such as those faced by Ukrainian communities and vulnerable families, these initiatives become lifelines. I want to s

When I first got involved with humanitarian work, I quickly realized that transparency in donation practices is not just a nice-to-have. It is essential. Donors want to know their contributions make a real difference. Communities in crisis deserve to see how aid reaches them. Transparency builds trust, accountability, and ultimately, greater impact. In this post, I will share practical insights on transparent donation practices for nonprofits. These are based on my experience

When I first got involved with humanitarian work, I quickly realized that transparent donation practices are not just a nice-to-have. They are essential for building trust, ensuring accountability, and maximizing the impact of every dollar donated. For organizations like the Spirit of Ukraine Foundation, which supports Ukrainian communities affected by war and crisis, transparency is a lifeline connecting donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries. In this post, I want to share p

Christmas in Ukraine is a deeply cherished holiday, rich with traditions and warm greetings that reflect the country’s cultural heritage. If you want to know how Ukrainians say Merry Christmas and how they celebrate the season, this post will guide you through the common phrases, customs, and festive spirit that define Ukrainian Christmas. Традиційний український різдвяний стіл з святковими стравами та прикрасами How Ukrainians Say Merry Christmas The most popular way to say

The holiday season often brings joy, warmth, and togetherness. Yet for many Ukrainians, Christmas and New Year can also be a time when grief feels especially heavy. These treasured holidays highlight the absence of loved ones and stir memories that are difficult to face. Understanding how Ukrainians experience and express grief during this time reveals a deep cultural connection between mourning and celebration. The Weight of Absence During Treasured Holidays In Ukraine, Chri

Exploring the Vibrant Ukrainian Holidays: A Journey Through Costumes, Rituals, and Folklore Christmas in Ukraine has long been a cherished tradition, deeply rooted in history, culture, and faith. For many years, Ukrainians celebrated Christmas on January 7th, following the Julian calendar used by the Orthodox Church. Recently, however, a significant change has emerged: Ukraine has officially moved the date of Christmas celebration to December 25th, aligning with the Gregorian

In times of crisis, the strength of a community is tested. For Ukrainian families and individuals facing the harsh realities of war and displacement, the need for effective, reliable support networks is urgent. As someone deeply involved in humanitarian efforts, I have witnessed firsthand how transforming community support can create stronger, more resilient networks that not only provide immediate relief but also foster long-term recovery and hope. Enhancing Local Community

As the war against Ukraine grinds into another winter, the numbers tell a clear story. The world has provided tremendous support. That support has saved lives, kept the Ukrainian state functioning, and helped defend Europe’s security. But the numbers also show something else: aid patterns are shifting, military flows slowed in parts of 2025, and humanitarian gaps remain wide. If Ukraine is to reach peace that is just, durable, and not built on the reward of aggression, the wo

Get Involved Get Involved Volunteering for Ukraine in 2026 offers a powerful way to support a nation facing ongoing challenges. Whether you want to contribute your time locally or internationally, there are many meaningful roles you can take on. This guide highlights ten practical ways to volunteer , detailing the roles involved and how to sign up. Each option connects you directly to efforts that make a real difference. 1. Delivering Humanitarian Aid One of the most urgent n

In times of crisis, the strength of a community often determines how well it weathers the storm. I have witnessed firsthand how targeted efforts can transform despair into hope. When families face hardship, and resources are scarce, the right strategies can make all the difference. Today, I want to share practical ways to enhance local community support, especially for those affected by conflict and crisis. These approaches are designed to be actionable, clear, and compassion

Exploring the Vibrant Ukrainian Holidays: A Journey Through Costumes, Rituals, and Folklore https://www.explore.co.uk/destinations/europe/ukraine Velykden (Ukrainian Easter) - The Pysanky Tradition:  While known, focus on the intricate process and symbolism of Pysanky  (decorated eggs) and the blessing of the Easter basket ( Paska ). Ivan Kupala Day (Midsummer Night ):  Describe this ancient pagan fertility rite. Highlight the rituals of jumping over bonfires  for g

Velykden (Ukrainian Easter) - The Pysanky Tradition:  While known, focus on the intricate process and symbolism of Pysanky  (decorated eggs) and the blessing of the Easter basket ( Paska ). Ivan Kupala Day (Midsummer Night):  Describe this ancient pagan fertility rite. Highlight the rituals of jumping over bonfires  for good fortune and floating wreaths  on water to predict fate. Malanka (Old New Year's Eve/Jan 13):  Focus on the raucous, theatrical folk processions  where pa